Our Story
A message from Bev Sykes
After my mum passed away, I wanted to set up a friendship group as I realised that there were so many people in the community who were very lonely and unhappy.
In 2012, just as I was in the process of setting up ‘Just Good Friends’, there was a programme on BBC ‘Only the Lonely’. The programme identified two older ladies who were completely on their own. No-one visited, no-one telephoned and the ladies went to the supermarket simply in the hope of talking to someone. It made me realise that ‘people need other people’ and strengthened my determination to change lonely and empty lives to lives that are happy and fulfilled.
In September 2012, Just Good Friends Community Group had its first meeting and the dream of turning loneliness to happiness became a reality.
Who we are
We are blessed with 40+ amazing dream team volunteers helping in lots and lots of ways, anything from making the teas and coffees to website design plus lots more. Every single volunteer has the expertise to help take Just Good Friends forward.
We are now meeting every day of the week at various venues. There’s so much going on and everyone is very happy with the programme Just Good Friends is arranging. We have also started a keep fit walk around Fairhaven Lake called “Your Pace or Mine” which is going down well.
We have had and are still enjoying lots of fun organising fundraising events and they are always well attended with everyone joining in. Lots of laughter is always important for everyone.
We’re also enjoying Drama, we’ve called this Drama for a Cause and are blessed that one of the actors, appearing in Emmerdale, Rachel Gill Davis is teaching us some acting skills. Its great fun and lots of laughter.
A new addition to our activities is Snooker. Again lots of enjoyment and many members joining in, one of which hadn’t played for 45 years but is now a regular player.
We have a ‘Whats On at JGF’ on WhatsApp and members are really enjoying hearing our latest news.
New friendships are being formed, jokes and laughter being shared every day. It really is a tonic for everyone. Love, Kindness, Respect and being there for each-other is the key.
Just Good Friends celebrated 10 year Anniversary which was held at St Annes Palace in September 2022. Seventy-five people attended and we had lovely meal and lots of entertainment. That year went really quickly and we are now arranging a fabulous buffet at our Tuesday Venue to celebrate 11 year Anniversary. I cant believe its 11 years. Another year gone and we’ve just celebrated 12 Years of Just Good Friends and thanks to an 18 piece swing band, Switched On Swing, who entertained us and our fabulous patron, Anne Nolan who joined in the fun and sang a few songs with the Band.
We are blessed with some amazing Trustees that bring expertise to us all and my thanks, as always, to you all.
Bev xxx
Something for everyone
We make sure we have something for everyone to enjoy after all variety is the spice of life. Below are just a few types of events we hold each week.
Our Impact
Just Good Friends in the community
The charity was established back in September 2012 by
our brilliant Founder and CEO Beverley Sykes after she
saw first hand the devastating effects that being lonely and
feeling isolated can do to people’s mental health and
general wellbeing.
We have grown steadily over the years under Bev’s
leadership to over 250 members, holding between 1-2
meetings and events per day, 7 days a week. Last year the
charity held over 400 local events in total.
Support our work
Whether it’s financial or physical, products, services or time, we always appreciate any offers of help you can provide.
Get Involved
If you’re looking for friendship, join us now.
We’re always very welcoming of new members, we were all new to the group once. Your journey starts by simply getting in touch.
Whether you’re looking to join us as a member or a supporter, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Your journey starts here.
In the Spotlight
